Widnes Vikings beat Bradford Bulls in dramatic fashion with Jack Owens’ last-minute penalty goal from halfway stealing the points.
Simon Finnigan named an unchanged 17 from last week’s victory over Oldham for the final home game of the 2021 season.
After a tight opening to the game, Jack Owens put the Vikings ahead when he ran on to a low Danny Craven kick to go under the sticks 16 minutes in.
There wasn’t much to split the two sides for the remainder of the first half, going set for set. Bradford missed a couple of chances to reduce the deficit through winger David Foggin-Johnston as a stubborn Widnes line stood firm.
After another tense opening as the second half began, Jordan Lilley finished off a Joe Brown break to pull Bradford level.
The Bulls edged ahead through a penalty goal, Lilley kicking through again to make the scores 8-6 after 54 minutes.
Widnes captain Jack Owens hit a penalty goal of his own 10 minutes later to draw the Vikings level from 20 metres.
Bradford edged ahead with minutes to go as Danny Brough added a drop-goal to make the scores 8-9.
The match ended in the most dramatic fashion after both sides saw further drop-goal attempts unsuccessful at the last, until Widnes were given a penalty just over halfway. Captain Jack Owens stepped up and kicked it through the sticks from distance to give Widnes a last-gasp victory and send the Vikings fans wild in their last time attending this season at the DCBL Stadium.
Widnes Vikings: Jack Owens, Deon Cross, Lloyd Roby, Ste Tyrer, Ollie Brookes, Danny Craven, Joe Lyons, Kenny Baker, Lewis Hulme, Owen Farnworth, Shane Grady, Adam Lawton, Matty Smith.
Interchanges: Will Tilleke, Paul Clough, Connor Aspey, Joe Edge.
Tries: Jack Owens. Goals: Jack Owens (1/1). Penalty goals: Jack Owens (2).
Bradford Bulls: Elliott Kear, Joe Brown, Rhys Evans, Ross Oakes, David Foggin-Johnston, Danny Brough, Jordan Lilley, Ben Evans, Tom Doyle, Steve Crossley, Brad England, Aaron Murphy, Sam Hallas.
Interchanges: George Flanagan, Dan Fleming, Eldon Myers, Ant Walker.
Tries: Jordan Lilley. Goals: Jordan Lilley (1/1). Penalty goal: Jordan Lilley. Drop goal: Danny Brough.
